Title 49—Transportation--Volume 1
PART 453—CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT
§ 453.1   Unsafe and noncomplying containers subject to detention or control.
(a) Any container used in or offered for movement in international transport which does not have a valid safety approval plate attached to it is subject to detention or other control by a District Commander or Captain of the Port. However, upon receipt of evidence that a container which does not have a valid safety approval plate attached to it meets the standards of the convention, the District Commander or Captain of the Port may authorize limited movement of such container under conditions he deems appropriate. This paragraph becomes effective on January 3, 1979 for new containers and on January 1, 1985 for existing containers.
(b) If a District Commander or Captain of the Port finds that a container used in or offered for movement in international transport, even though it has a valid safety approval plate attached to it, is in a condition that creates an obvious risk to safety, he issues a detention order causing the container to be removed from service until it is restored to a safe condition. In addition to removing a container from transport, a detention order may require any special handling, including unloading prior to movement, necessary to ensure safety.
(c) If a District Commander or Captain of the Port finds that a container used or offered for movement in international transport has not been timely examined, the District Commander or Captain of the Port affixes to the container, at a place on the container where it will be readily noticeable to anyone loading or unloading the container, a mark or tag indicating that the container must be examined before being reloaded and again used in international transport. The mark or tag affixed by the District Commander or Captain of the Port indicates the place and the date on which it was affixed, and is capable of remaining legible and in place for at least 12 months. Such mark or tag must not be removed until the container is examined in accordance with § 452.3 of this subchapter. If a District Commander or Captain of the Port finds that container marked or tagged as provided for in this paragraph was reloaded and used or offered for movement in international transport without having been examined, the District Commander or Captain of the Port issues a detention order causing the container to be removed from service until it is brought into compliance.
§ 453.3   Detention orders and other orders.
(a) The terms of any detention order or other order issued under § 453.1, to the maximum extent practicable, make provisions to avoid loss or damage to cargo.
(b) Written notice of any detention order or other order issued under § 453.1 is given immediately to the terminal operator, stevedore, or other person having actual control over the container involved. Prompt notification is also given to the owner of the container, or his agent. The notification identifies the container involved, its location, and describes the condition which gave rise to the order.
§ 453.5   Termination of detention orders and other orders.
(a) When a container, which is the subject of a detention order or other order, is restored to a safe condition or otherwise brought into compliance, it must be examined in accordance with § 452.3 and a new re-examination date marked on the container in accordance with § 452.1(b) of this subchapter.
(b) The owner or the owner's agent shall notify the District Commander or Captain of the Port who issue the order, in writing, that the container has been brought into compliance. Upon giving such notice, the owner, or his agent, may return the container to service.
§ 453.7   Appeal provisions.
(a) The owner, his agent, or the custodian of a container subject to a detention order or other order, may petition the Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES), U.S. Coast Guard to review that order.
(b) The Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES), U.S. Coast Guard requires independent surveys to determine the extent of deficiencies, if necessary. Upon completion of his review, including review of the results of any required independent surveys, the Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES), U.S. Coast Guard affirms, sets aside, or modifies the order.
(c) The owner of a container is liable for any costs incident to a petition for review including any independent surveys, and for any other costs incident to or resulting from detention or other control of a container.
(d) Unless otherwise determined by the Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES), U.S. Coast Guard, a detention order or other order remains in effect pending the outcome of any petition or appeal of that order.
(e) The Chief, Office of Operating and Environmental Standards (CG-OES), U.S. Coast Guard acts on all appeals within ten days of receipt.